Translation guide
This guide covers how to express the idea of 'making use of' something in Japanese, from practical utilization to taking advantage of opportunities or people.
To use an object, tool, facility, or resource to achieve a goal.
The most common and versatile verb for 'use'. Works for objects, tools, money, time, etc.
この機械を使ってください。
Please make use of this machine.
時間を有効に使う。
Make good use of time.
Often implies utilizing a service, system, or opportunity. Slightly more formal than 使う.
図書館を利用する。
Make use of the library.
このサービスをぜひご利用ください。
Please make use of this service.
To put something to good use, especially skills, knowledge, or resources. Implies effective application.
経験を仕事に活用する。
Make use of one's experience at work.
To exploit a chance, circumstance, or favorable condition.
Used with nouns like 機会 (opportunity) or 状況 (situation).
この機会を利用して、質問します。
I'll make use of this opportunity to ask a question.
To take advantage of a situation, often with a negative connotation (exploit).
混乱に乗じて逃げた。
He made use of the confusion to escape.
To exploit or take advantage of someone for one's own benefit.
Can mean 'use' a person, often implying manipulation.
彼は人を利用するのがうまい。
He's good at making use of people.
Stronger, more colloquial; to exploit someone ruthlessly.
彼は私を食い物にした。
He made use of me (exploited me).
To apply abstract things like knowledge, talent, or experience.
To make the most of something, bring it to life. Often used for skills, experience, or lessons learned.
失敗を次の成功に生かす。
Make use of failure for future success.
自分の才能を生かせる仕事。
A job where you can make use of your talents.
Similar to 生かす but slightly more formal; emphasizes effective utilization.
知識を活用する。
Make use of knowledge.
使う is the general 'use'. 利用する implies utilizing a service, facility, or opportunity, often with a sense of benefit. 活用する means to actively apply something effectively, especially skills or resources. For people, 利用する can sound manipulative.
Do not translate 'make use of' literally as 使用を作る or similar. Use the verbs above directly.